Tara Murray
There’s something different about Kyneton this year in the Bendigo Football League.
Having been thereabouts in the finals mix for a number of years, the Tigers have started to put things together on and off the field.
On field, the club have won five games in a row heading into the weekend’s game with Castlemaine.
President Hayden Evans said they didn’t know the last time that had happened.
“The town is buzzing at the moment,” he said. “Everyone including the supporters, sponsors, players and coaches, they’re really happy.
“There’s that self belief.”
Evans said an early season loss to South Bendigo had been the catalyst for the side’s turnaround in form.
He said it had galvanise the group together.
“I think they learned a lot from the close loss,” he said. “Paul Chapman wanted them to play a role for the team and they’re doing that.
“Paul has only been there for 13 games or so all up, so everyone is learning each week.”
Evans said what had been most pleasing wasn’t the form of the recruits they’ve brought in the last two years, but that of the young guys coming through.
The club had worked hard on its juniors and under-17s and it was starting to shine through into the seniors.
Louis Thompson, Bailey McGee, Angus Nolte, Benjamin Cameron and Hamish Yunghanns are some of those who have stepped up.
“These young guys are extremely exciting for the club,” Evans said.
“Angus is 17, Bailey is 19 and Hamish is 19.
“These guys are certainly holding their own.”
It will be a big couple of weeks for the club. On Saturday, they host their Pride Round, with all their senior football and netball sides in action at Kyneton.
The Pride Round celebrates diversity and inclusion in sport for those who identify as lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ).
Next Saturday, they face arch rival Gisborne at Gardiner Reserve.
The Bulldogs are undefeated.
Evans said they can’t wait to travel down the highway to face the only other Macedon Ranges team in the competition.
“It is a big test for Gisborne at Gisborne,” he said.
“We’ll go down there, hoping for a massive improvement from round one.
“This is why we play football, to test ourselves.”
